Decorating rental properties will help you feel more comfortable in the space. Rental homes do not need to look uninhabited; your current home should be cherished and decorated to create your perfect atmosphere.
There are many challenges of decorating a rental home. Many believe rentals are just a steppingstone to more extraordinary things. Whether a college dorm, a shared apartment, or a rental home, you should always organize, care for, and decorate the space.
Decorating rental spaces can be tricky, and you will encounter gray areas, but fear not; we've got you covered. This blog will discuss the Do's and Don'ts of rental decoration and teach you how to upgrade your living space.
Why you should decorate
The landlord might own the property, but you are responsible for transforming it into a home.
Although some rentals are temporary, claiming the space and making it your own can give you a sense of security.
Your rental will be where you sleep at night, where you cook, where you eat, and where you shower; after a long day, it will be waiting for you, so you should enjoy being there.
Every moment in your home should be treasured. Whether you plan to stay for one year or ten, it will always serve the same purpose.
Decorating your rental will also serve as experience when you have a home. Since the changes are less permanent, you can play around with different ideas and develop your own interior design style to display in your future home.
Do's of Decorating
If you need clarification on decorations you can add to your rental home, use the below list of Do's to channel your inner interior designer.
Do: Read your lease agreement carefully
The most crucial step in this process is to read your rental agreement to the best of your ability. As previously stated, you want to be fully versed in your responsibilities under the contract.
The more acquainted you become with the rental agreement, the more comfortable you will feel decorating your home.
Do: save everything you remove
Although you have the right to make removable changes, always ensure that everything you remove is stored and not thrown away.
For example, let's say you decide to replace the vertical blinds with different curtains. After removing the blinds, you should keep them. Have a designated space for these items, and once your lease is over, reinstall them.
Do: leave everything the way it came
Make sure that any changes you make are authorized through property management who will have to check with the homeowner.
Do: consult with your landlord in gray areas
If you have any questions, contact us before making changes. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Tenants need prior approval to make changes such as painting or changing a light or fan.
Dont's of Decorating
Although decorating your rental home is a great idea, you should always be wary of making specific changes that can put you at risk for liability. Below we will be highlighting some of these don'ts so that you can steer clear of them.
Some additions are not worth adding to your rental home. Often, these changes will cause more harm than good and can put you at risk for financial liability. Ensure to avoid the following:
- Don't: make permanent or hard-to-remove changes
- Don't: throw away valuable pieces you removed
- Don’t; use large nails and screws
Now, let's review these common mistakes in detail so you can better avoid them.
Don't: make permanent or hard-to-remove changes
You should not be making any permanent changes to your rental home. However, some changes are not black and white.
Installing wallpaper is an excellent example of one of these changes. Some peel and stick wallpaper or temporary wallpaper are advertised as completely removable, but this is only sometimes the case. Sometimes the wallpaper can stick to the wall and cause severe damage; for this reason, you should stay diligent and weigh your pros and cons and remember you are responsible for leaving the property in the same condition it was in when you rented it.
Don't: throw away valuable pieces you removed
As previously mentioned, you should always save the pieces you remove from the rental home and return them to their original place (unless you received written authorization).
Don't: use large nails and screws
Large screws and nails can damage walls and could end up in expensive repairs. A good alternative would be to use small picture hanging nails, adhesive hooks, or adhesive strips. When removed properly, adhesive strips and hooks should not damage the walls. Much like warm water softens tape, heat can help melt stubborn adhesives without damaging the surface of your floor or wall. Just one minute with a hairdryer or even a heat gun will often do the trick.
